What is a clinical academic? Qualitative interviews with healthcare managers, research-active nurses and other research-active healthcare professionals outside medicine

Aims and objectives To explore the concept of clinical academic from the perspectives of healthcare managers and research-active healthcare professionals outside medicine. Background Clinical academics are understood to be healthcare professionals who combine clinical and research responsibilities within their role. However, there is no agreed definition for this term either within or across nursing, midwifery and the other healthcare professions outside medicine. Design Qualitative service evaluation, reported using the COREQ checklist. Methods Semi-structured qualitative interviews were conducted with a purposive sample of eight healthcare managers and 12 research-active clinicians within a UK hospital group. Interviews were audio recorded, transcribed verbatim and analysed using the Framework method. Results Clinical academics were described in four themes. Two themes explored the components of the role and the contribution of these individuals to their profession: combining clinical practice, research and education; and pushing boundaries. The third theme identified the clinical academic label as: a title that doesn't fit. The final theme examined a characteristic mindset of research-active clinicians. There were no clear differences in the perceptions of managers and research-active clinicians. Conclusions Clinical academics were perceived as valuable members of their team and were able to push the boundaries to move their profession forward. Some research-active clinicians did not identify with the term clinical academic and for some managers and research-active clinicians, the term was viewed as jargonistic. A clear and accepted definition would aid development of clinical academic career pathways and identities. It would also assist in evaluating the impact of these roles. Relevance to practice As clinical academic roles and opportunities are being developed across the professions outside medicine, it is important to have a shared common understanding of clinical academic to support the creation of career pathways and curricula, and to enable the evaluation of these roles.

Automated summary

The concept of clinical academics was explored from the perspectives of healthcare managers and research-active professionals outside medicine. The study found that clinical academics play a valuable role in pushing boundaries and advancing their profession, although some individuals may not identify with the term. A clear and accepted definition of clinical academics would aid in developing career pathways and evaluating the impact of these roles.